THE BULL FROM THE SEA

This like-new hardcover Book of The Month Club edition is a rare find. The book is untouched, with no marks. The pages are tight and appear unread. The book is tight, square, and unmarked, with some visible wear on the top and bottom of the dust jacket, grey cloth boards, and bright gilt lettering on the spine of the book. The Bull from the Sea is a historical novel by Mary Renault, published in 1962. It is a sequel to her earlier novel The King Must Die, and it continues the story of Theseus, a legendary hero from Greek mythology. While The King Must Die focuses on the early life of Theseus and his adventures in Crete, The Bull from the Sea covers his later years, delving into his reign as the king of Athens and the subsequent challenges he faces. The novel opens with Theseus returning to Athens after his victory over the Minotaur. He ascends to the throne, hoping to bring stability and prosperity to his city. Mary Renault is known for her deep understanding of Greek culture and her ability to bring mythological figures to life with psychological depth. In The Bull from the Sea, she blends history and legend, vividly portraying the ancient world and the complexities of Theseus's character. The novel has been praised for its poetic prose, nuanced portrayal of heroism, and its reflection on the passage of time and the cost of greatness.